Exodus 21:24 Eye For Eye, Tooth For Tooth, Hand For Hand, Foot For Foot,

Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,

Exodus 21:26,27 And if a man smite the eye of his servant, or the eye of his maid, that it perish; he shall let him go free for his eye's sake…

Leviticus 24:19,20 And if a man cause a blemish in his neighbour; as he hath done, so shall it be done to him; …

Deuteronomy 19:21 And thine eye shall not pity; but life shall go for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.

tooth for toothThe inclusion of "tooth for tooth" highlights the detailed nature of the law, ensuring that even minor injuries were addressed with proportional justice. This reflects the value placed on individual rights and personal dignity within the Israelite community. The law was not meant to encourage personal vengeance but to provide a legal framework for justice. It underscores the importance of fairness and equity in legal proceedings, a principle that resonates throughout biblical teachings.

hand for hand"Hand for hand" extends the principle of proportional justice to injuries affecting one's ability to work and provide for oneself and one's family. In ancient agrarian societies, the loss of a hand could have devastating economic consequences. This phrase underscores the importance of protecting individuals' livelihoods and ensuring that justice takes into account the broader impact of injuries. It also reflects the communal responsibility to uphold justice and support those who have been wronged.

foot for footThe mention of "foot for foot" further emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the law, covering all aspects of physical harm. This reflects the holistic approach of the Mosaic Law, which sought to maintain social order and harmony by addressing all potential sources of conflict. The principle of proportional justice served as a deterrent against violence and abuse, promoting a culture of respect and accountability. This concept of justice is foundational to the biblical worldview, which upholds the inherent worth and dignity of every person.Persons / Places / Events1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites who received the Law from God on Mount Sinai, including the laws found in Exodus 21.2. IsraelitesThe people to whom the Law was given, forming the basis of their covenant relationship with God.3. Mount SinaiThe place where God delivered the Law to Moses, including the civil and moral laws for the Israelite community.Teaching PointsPrinciple of JusticeThe "eye for eye" law was intended to ensure justice and prevent excessive punishment. It established a legal framework for fair retribution.Limitation of RetaliationThis law served to limit personal vengeance, ensuring that punishment was proportional to the offense and not driven by personal vendetta.Foundation for MercyWhile the law provided a basis for justice, it also pointed to the need for mercy and forgiveness, as later emphasized by Jesus.Christ's Fulfillment of the LawJesus' teaching in the New Testament calls believers to transcend the literal application of this law, embracing a spirit of forgiveness and love.Application in Modern ContextIn contemporary society, this principle can be applied by seeking justice through legal systems while personally practicing forgiveness and reconciliation.Bible Study Questions and Answers1. What is the meaning of Exodus 21:24?2. How does "eye for eye" in Exodus 21:24 relate to justice today?3. What principles of fairness does Exodus 21:24 teach us to implement?4. How does Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:38-39 connect to Exodus 21:24?5. In what ways can Exodus 21:24 guide our conflict resolution methods?6. How can Exodus 21:24 influence our understanding of accountability and responsibility?7. How does "eye for eye" in Exodus 21:24 align with Jesus' teachings on forgiveness?8. Is the principle of retribution in Exodus 21:24 still applicable in modern Christian ethics?9. What historical context influenced the law of retaliation in Exodus 21:24?10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 21?11. What does "eye for an eye" mean biblically?12. What is the Law of Retribution?13. What does the Bible say about revenge and vengeance?14. Should we repay evil with evil? (Proverbs 24:29 vs. Romans 12:17)What Does Exodus 21:24 Meaneye for eye

“Eye for eye” (Exodus 21:24) introduces the principle of proportional justice. In ancient courts it prevented excessive punishment and personal vengeance. Leviticus 24:19–20 echoes the same measure, protecting both victim and offender by insisting on fairness—not cruelty. Jesus later cites this line in Matthew 5:38–39, showing that civil justice must remain proportionate while personal relationships should be marked by mercy. Key ideas:

• The judge was to match penalty to injury, never allowing escalation.

• Victims were assured their loss would not be ignored.

• Society learned reverence for life, for every eye reflects God’s image (Genesis 1:27).

tooth for tooth

A “tooth” may seem minor compared with an eye, yet the law treats it with equal seriousness (Deuteronomy 19:21). God values the whole person, large and small damages alike. This clause reminded Israelites that:

• No injury is trivial when it diminishes someone made in God’s likeness.

• Even the powerless—servants, widows, orphans—could expect just compensation (Exodus 22:22–24).

• Justice must never be dismissed as “too small to bother”; God notices every wrong (Proverbs 20:10).

hand for hand

The hand symbolizes work, provision, and worship (Psalm 90:17). If someone crippled another’s hand, he threatened that person’s livelihood. The statute guaranteed:

• Economic protection—one who destroyed another’s capacity to work had to reckon with equal loss.

• Reverence in worship—hands lift offerings; injuring them desecrated a sacred act (Psalm 141:2).

• Communal stability—fair restitution discouraged cycles of retaliation and kept neighbors from turning into enemies (Proverbs 17:13).

foot for foot

Feet carry a person’s journey and calling (Isaiah 52:7). “Foot for foot” safeguarded freedom of movement and service to God. It signaled:

• Mobility matters—preventing someone from walking was as weighty as blinding an eye.

• Equal standing—status never excused maiming; kings and commoners alike answered to the same rule (2 Chronicles 19:7).

• Forward hope—restoring balance allowed the injured to continue walking in God’s ways (Psalm 119:105).

summary

Exodus 21:24 establishes God-given boundaries that uphold life, dignity, and measured justice. Every part of the verse—eye, tooth, hand, foot—affirms that all human capacities are precious. The command restrains vengeance, demands proportionate restitution, and points us to the consistent character of God, who balances righteousness with mercy (Romans 12:19; Micah 6:8).Parallel Commentaries ...Hebreweyeעַ֚יִן (‘a·yin)Noun - common singularStrong's 5869: An eye, a fountainforתַּ֣חַת (ta·ḥaṯ)PrepositionStrong's 8478: The bottom, below, in lieu ofeye,עַ֔יִן (‘a·yin)Noun - common singularStrong's 5869: An eye, a fountaintoothשֵׁ֖ן (šên)Noun - common singularStrong's 8127: A tooth, ivory, a cliffforתַּ֣חַת (ta·ḥaṯ)PrepositionStrong's 8478: The bottom, below, in lieu oftooth,שֵׁ֑ן (šên)Noun - common singularStrong's 8127: A tooth, ivory, a cliffhandיָ֚ד (yāḏ)Noun - feminine singularStrong's 3027: A handforתַּ֣חַת (ta·ḥaṯ)PrepositionStrong's 8478: The bottom, below, in lieu ofhand,יָ֔ד (yāḏ)Noun - feminine singularStrong's 3027: A handfootרֶ֖גֶל (re·ḡel)Noun - feminine singularStrong's 7272: A foot, a step, the pudendaforתַּ֥חַת (ta·ḥaṯ)PrepositionStrong's 8478: The bottom, below, in lieu offoot,רָֽגֶל׃ (rā·ḡel)Noun - feminine singularStrong's 7272: A foot, a step, the pudendaLinksExodus 21:24 NIVExodus 21:24 NLTExodus 21:24 ESVExodus 21:24 NASBExodus 21:24 KJVExodus 21:24 BibleApps.comExodus 21:24 Biblia ParalelaExodus 21:24 Chinese BibleExodus 21:24 French BibleExodus 21:24 Catholic BibleOT Law: Exodus 21:24 Eye for eye tooth for tooth hand (Exo. Ex)